Method for treating and preventing atherosclerosis and complications thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for preventing atherosclerosis, comprising administeringh a prophylactically effective amount of plasminogen to a subject susceptible to atherosclerosis. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing atherosclerosis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to a subject susceptible to or suffering from a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions, to reduce an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions and complications.

BACKGROUND ART

The fat metabolism disorder, also known as lipodystrophy, is one of metabolic diseases. It is the abnormality in lipids and lipid metabolites and the amounts thereof in blood and other tissues and organs, caused by primary or acquired factors. Lipid metabolism involves lipids being digested and absorbed in the small intestine, entering the blood circulation via the lymphatic system (via lipoprotein transport), being transformed by the liver, stored in adipose tissues, and being used by tissues when needed. The main function of lipids in the body is to provide energy through oxidation. The adipose tissue is the body's energy store. Fat can also protect the internal organs in cooperation with the skin, bones, and muscles, prevent body temperature loss, and help the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in food. Phospholipid is an important structural component of all cell membranes. Cholesterol is the precursor of cholic acid and steroid hormones (adrenal cortical hormone and gonadal hormone). Lipid metabolism is regulated by genetics, neurohumor, hormones, enzymes, and tissues and organs such as the liver. When these factors have any abnormalities, it may cause a lipid metabolism disorder and pathophysiological changes of relevant organs, e.g., hyperlipoproteinemia and its resulting clinical syndrome, obesity, fatty liver, etc.

Hyperlipoproteinemia is caused by excessive lipoproteins in blood. Lipids in blood, e.g., triglyceride (TG), free cholesterol (FC), cholesteryl ester (CE) and phospholipid, are rarely soluble in water. Only combined with apolipoproteins (APOs) to form a giant molecule complex (lipoprotein), can these lipids be dissolved, transported and metabolized in blood. Hyperlipemia occurs when blood lipids are above the upper limit in normal people. Hyperlipemia is also called hyperlipoproteinemia since blood lipids are transported in the form of lipoproteins in blood. The general criteria are as follows: fasting blood triglycerides and cholesterol in adults exceed 160 mg/dl and 260 mg/dl, respectively; and cholesterol in children exceeds 160 mg/dl^([1]).

Hyperlipoproteinemia (hyperlipemia) is one of the important causes of atherosclerotic lesions and is a manifestation of abnormal lipid metabolism in the body. Due to the different types of blood lipids or lipoproteins, the types of blood lipids or lipoproteins of which the contents are beyond the normal range may also be different. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) divides hyperlipoproteinemia into five types: Type I, mainly characterized by an increase in chylomicrons, and opalescent, turbid serum with a high amount of triglycerides (TGs); Type II, which is divided into two subtypes, IIa and IIb, wherein the former is mainly characterized by a significant increase in low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and the latter is additionally characterized by an increase in very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs); Type III, characterized by usually turbid serum, an increase in both LDLs and VLDLs, and fusion of the two on the electrophoresis; Type IV, mainly characterized by an increase in VLDLs, and possibly turbid serum; and Type V, characterized by increase in both chylomicrons and VLDLs, and opalescent, turbid serum. Type II and Type IV are the most common^([1]).

Hyperlipemia can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary, according to the etiology. Primary hyperlipemia is mostly caused by congenital defects (or genetic defects) in lipid and lipoprotein metabolisms and by some environmental factors (comprising diets, nutrition, drugs, etc.) through unknown mechanisms. Secondary hyperlipemia is substantially secondary to certain diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, a liver disease, a kidney disease, a thyroid disease, as well as drinking and obesity. Environmental factors such as diets and lifestyle also contribute to the disease.

Since diabetes mellitus is often associated with a lipid metabolism disorder, diabetes mellitus is also known as “diabetes mellipitus”^([2]). The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus is related to B cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, presenting as chronic hyperglycemia, and a disorder of glucose metabolism is often associated with a disorder of lipid metabolism. The lipid metabolism disorder with diabetes mellitus has become an independent risk factor for a cardiovascular disease, which is substantially manifested by hypertriglyceridemia, a low HDL level, and an increased LDL concentration.

The pathogenesis of the lipid metabolism disorder with diabetes mellitus is still unclear, but numerous evidences show that insulin resistance is the central link of its occurrence. Recent studies have also found that intestinal insulin resistance is also involved. Studies in animal models and populations of diabetes mellitus have shown that abnormalities in the expression of certain genes associated with lipid metabolism further contribute to insulin resistance. The occurrence of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients is related to various factors, but an abnormality in plasma lipid level is the most important factor. Studies have shown that the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients are significantly higher than those in non-diabetic patients, and that diabetes mellitus has become an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases^([3]).

In recent years, the relationship between nephropathy and lipid metabolism disorders has attracted more and more attention. A chronic progressive renal injury is often accompanied by abnormal lipid metabolism, and in turn hyperlipemia can promote and aggravate the renal injury, and besides mediating glomerular injury, it also plays a role in a tubulointerstitial injury. Munk first described dyslipidemia in nephrotic syndrome in 1913. Some scholars have reported that hyperlipemia may appear in 70%-10% of patients with nephrotic syndrome. It is mainly manifested by a significant increase in blood total cholesterol (TC) dominated by an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and a slight increase in triglyceride (TG), wherein the increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is correlated with urine protein^([4]). A patient with chronic renal insufficiency is mainly manifested by moderate triglyceridemia, generally normal plasma total cholesterol level, increased cholesterol in VLDLC and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDLC), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and increased content of triglyceride in various lipoproteins. The underlying cause is that the uremic environment has adverse effects on the synthesis and catabolism of triglycerides and an inhibitory effect on the reverse transport of cholesterol^([5]).

With the popularization of kidney transplantation therapy and the wide application of various new immunosuppressive agents (particularly CsA and prednisone), the survival period of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) has been significantly prolonged, but the incidence of hyperlipemia after kidney transplantation is very high. The main manifestations of hyperlipemia after kidney transplantation are elevated levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC)^([6]).

Clinical studies have confirmed that there is a certain correlation between lipid metabolism disorders and diabetic nephropathy. In a diabetic patient with a lipid metabolism disorder, an elevated lipid deposition on a glomerular basement membrane stimulates basement membrane cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation. As early as in 1936, Kimmelstiel and Wilson found massive lipid depositions in renal arterioles, glomeruli and renal tubules of patients with diabetic nephropathy^([7]). Abnormal lipid metabolism leading to glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis is one of the most important causes of progressive renal impairment^([8]).

Lipid metabolism disorders can also result in occurrence of obesity (obesity syndrome). Obesity is divided into two categories: simple and secondary. Simple obesity refers to obesity without obvious endocrine and metabolic diseases, which can be divided into two types: constitutional obesity and acquired obesity. Constitutional obesity has a family heredity history, patients have been fed with abundant food since childhood, with excess intake, obese since childhood, with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of adipocytes. Acquired obesity is mostly caused by excessive nutrition and/or reduced physical activity, such as caused by the improvement of material conditions of life after middle age, recovery from diseases and full recuperation, and the cessation of physical exercise or physical labor after giving birth; and adipose cells shows hypertrophy change, without hyperplasia, and the therapeutic effect for this type of obesity is better. Secondary obesity is mainly caused by neuroendocrine diseases. Neuroendocrine plays an important role in regulating metabolism: (1) Hypothalamus has the center that regulates appetite; and the sequela of central nervous system inflammation, trauma, tumor and the like can cause hypothalamic dysfunction, making appetite enormous and leading to obesity. (2) Insulin secretion is increased, e.g., hyperinsulinemia is caused by excessive insulin injection in a patient with early non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and islet B cell tumor secretes excessive insulin, both of which increases fat synthesis, thereby causing obesity. (3) In the case of hypopituitarism, particularly when gonadotrophin and thyrotrophin reduction causes hypogonadism and hypothyroidism, obesity may occur. (4) Multiparas or those orally taking contraceptives for female are predisposed to obesity, suggesting that oestrogen has a role in promoting fat synthesis. (5) Hypercortisolism is often accompanied by centripetal obesity. (6) Hypothyroidism with a low metabolic rate leads to fat accumulation with myxedema. (7) Hypogonadism may also lead to obesity, such as dystrophia adiposogenitalis (also named cerebral adiposity and Frohlich's syndrome, caused by trauma, encephalitis, pituitary tumor, craniopharyngioma and other injuries in the hypothalamus, manifested as centripetal obesity with diabetes insipidus and sexual retardation).

Lipid metabolism disorders often lead to fatty liver. Fatty liver refers to a lesion caused by excessive fat accumulation in liver cells due to various reasons. The liver plays a particularly important role in lipid metabolism, it synthesizes lipoproteins which facilitates lipid transport, and is also a major site for fatty acid oxidation and ketone body formation. The normal content of lipid in liver is not much, about 4%, substantially comprising phospholipid. If the liver cannot transport fat out in time, fat accumulates in the liver cells, thereby forming fatty liver.

Fatty liver can be an independent disease or can be caused by other causes, such as obesity-induced fatty liver, alcoholic fatty liver, rapid weight loss induced fatty liver, malnutrition-induced fatty liver, diabetic fatty liver, drug-induced fatty liver, etc.

Fatty liver may be caused by inhibition of the synthesis of proteins by some drugs or chemical poisons such as tetracycline, adrenocortical hormone, puromycin, cyclohexylamine, emetine, arsenic, lead, silver, and mercury. Hypolipidemic drugs can also result in fatty liver by interfering with lipoprotein metabolism.

One of the hazards of fatty liver is that it promotes the formation of atherosclerosis. One of the causes of atherosclerosis is that a patient with fatty liver is often accompanied by hyperlipemia, and thus blood viscosity is increased, wherein low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can easily penetrate an arterial intima and deposit on a vascular wall due to its extremely small molecular weight, which reduces the arterial elasticity, narrows the vascular diameter, weakens the flexibility, and finally leads to the disturbance of blood circulation. The second hazard of fatty liver is to induce or aggravate hypertension, and coronary heart disease, and easily lead to myocardial infarction and thus sudden death. The third hazard of fatty liver is encephalopathy-liver fatty metamorphosis syndrome (Reye's syndrome). The fourth hazard of fatty liver is to lead to hepatic cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Fatty liver is the product of a lipid metabolism disorder in liver and also the pathogenic factor that aggravates liver injury, which is a development of mutual causation and vicious circle. The lipid droplets in the hepatocytes are increased, resulting in steatosis and enlargement of the hepatocytes, and extrusion of the nuclei away from the center. Fat metabolism mainly takes place in the mitochondria. Fat is transported out of the cell mainly through the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Fat accumulation in hepatocytes further aggravates the burden of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum and reduces their functions, thus affecting the metabolism of other nutrients, hormones and vitamins. Long-term hepatocyte degeneration will lead to regeneration disorder and necrosis of hepatocytes, and thus form liver fibrosis and hepatic cirrhosis. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to hepatic cirrhosis is higher.

The fifth hazard of fatty liver is acute gestational fatty liver with a high mortality. The disease, also known as obstetric acute yellow hepatatrophia, is a rare pregnancy complication with a bad prognosis. The disease occurs mostly in the last three months of pregnancy, and its clinical manifestations are often similar to acute severe liver disease, and comprise acute liver failure, pancreatitis, renal failure, and systemic coagulation abnormality, leading to rapid death. The disease occurs mostly in pregnant women who are pregnant for the first time.

The sixth hazard of fatty liver is to induce or aggravate diabetes mellitus. If the concentration of blood glucose in a patient with obesity-induced fatty liver exceeds the normal level, generally pre-diabetes mellitus is considered true although this situation does not meet the diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus. Fatty liver and diabetes mellitus often accompany each other and interact with each other, which brings greater difficulties to clinical treatment.

The studies of the present invention found that plasminogen can prevent and/or reduce an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ, for instance, it can prevent and reduce an abnormal lipid deposition in blood, a vascular wall, an internal organ, and a tissue between organs, and improve the function of these tissues and organs, thus providing a new preventive and therapeutic solution for a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions, as well as the accompanying diseases or complications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the following items:

In one aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 1. A method for preventing atherosclerosis, comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of plasminogen to a subject susceptible to atherosclerosis.

Item 2. The method of item 1, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject susceptible to or suffering from a disease selected from a group consisting of a fat metabolism disorder, a glucose metabolism disease, a liver disease, a kidney disease, a cardiovascular disease, an intestinal disease, a thyroid disease, a gallbladder or biliary tract disease, and obesity, or a subject who drinks excessively.

Item 3. The use of item 2, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject susceptible to or suffering from a disease selected from a group consisting of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, renal injury, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, kidney transplantation, uremia, hypothyroidism, obstructive cholecystitis, and obstructive cholangitis.

Item 4. The method of item 1, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject with congenital or secondary obesity.

Item 5. The method of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject susceptible to or suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, or fatty liver.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 6. A method for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject.

Item 7. The method of item 6, wherein the abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ refers to an abnormal fat deposition in any one selected from a group consisting of blood, a subcutaneous tissue, a vascular wall, and an internal organ.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 8. A method for preventing or treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject.

Item 9. The method of item 8, wherein the disease comprises obesity, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 10. A method for preventing atherosclerosis in a subject with hyperlipemia, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject.

Item 11. The method of item 10, wherein blood lipid of the subject exhibits one or more of: an elevated serum total cholesterol level, an elevated serum triglyceride level, and an elevated serum low-density lipoprotein level.

Item 12. The method of item 10 or 11, wherein the plasminogen prevents atherosclerosis by one or more of: lowering a serum total cholesterol level in the subject, lowering a serum triglyceride level in the subject, lowering a serum low-density lipoprotein level in the subject, and elevating a serum high-density lipoprotein level in the subject.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 13. A method for preventing atherosclerosis, comprising administering plasminogen to a subject to prevent atherosclerosis in one or more ways selected from: promoting fat metabolism in the liver, promoting fat transport in the liver, and reducing fat deposition in the liver of the subject.

Item 14. The method of item 13, further comprising preventing atherosclerosis in one or more ways of: lowering a serum total cholesterol level in the subject, lowering a serum triglyceride level in the subject, lowering a serum low-density lipoprotein level in the subject, and elevating a serum high-density lipoprotein level in the subject.

Item 15. The method of item 13 or 14, further comprising preventing atherosclerosis by reducing fat deposition on a vascular wall.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 16. A method for preventing coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject.

Item 17. The method of item 16, wherein the plasminogen prevents coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in the subject in one or more ways selected from: promoting fat metabolism in the liver, promoting fat transport in the liver, and reducing fat deposition in the liver of the subject.

Item 18. The method of item 16 or 17, wherein the plasminogen prevents coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in the subject in one or more ways selected from: lowering a serum total cholesterol level in the subject, lowering a serum triglyceride level in the subject, lowering a serum low-density lipoprotein level in the subject, and elevating a serum high-density lipoprotein level in the subject.

Item 19. The method of any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the plasminogen prevents coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in the subject by reducing the fat deposition on vascular walls of aortas and/or coronary arteries.

Item 20. A method for preventing an atherosclerosis-related condition, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to a subject susceptible to atherosclerosis.

Item 21. The method of item 20, wherein the related condition is a condition caused by arteriostenosis or arterial thrombosis resulting from atherosclerosis.

Item 22. The method of item 21, wherein the condition is one of more selected from: coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, cerebral ischemia, cerebral thrombosis, brain atrophy, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, renal insufficiency, hypertension, glomerular fibrosis, renal failure, uremia, ischemic necrosis of intestinal wall, hemafecia, intermittent claudication, and gangrene.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 23. A method for treating hyperlipemia, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to a subject.

Item 24. The method of item 23, wherein the hyperlipemia exhibits one or more selected from: an elevated serum total cholesterol level, an elevated serum triglyceride level, and an elevated serum low-density lipoprotein level.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 25. A method for preventing atherosclerosis in a diabetic patient, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the diabetic patient.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 26. A method for preventing fatty liver, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to a subject.

Item 27. The use of any one of items 1 to 26, wherein the plasminogen is administered in combination with one or more other drugs and therapies.

Item 28. The method of item 27, wherein the one or more other drugs comprise: a hypolipidemic drug, an anti-platelet drug, an antihypertensive drug, a vasodilator, a hypoglycemic drug, an anticoagulant drug, a thrombolytic drug, a hepatoprotective drug, an anti-arrhythmia drug, a cardiotonic drug, a diuretic drug, an anti-infective drug, an antiviral drug, an immunomodulatory drug, an inflammatory regulatory drug, and a hormone drug.

Item 29. The method of any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the plasminogen has at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12, and still has the plasminogen activity.

Item 30. The method of any one of items 1 to 29, wherein the plasminogen is a protein that has 1-100, 1-90, 1-80, 1-70, 1-60, 1-50, 1-45, 1-40, 1-35, 1-30, 1-25, 1-20, 1-15, 1-10, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2 or 1 amino acid added, deleted and/or substituted in SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12, and still has the plasminogen activity.

Item 31. The method of any one of items 1 to 30, wherein the plasminogen is a protein that comprises a plasminogen active fragment and still has the plasminogen activity.

Item 32. The method of any one of items 1 to 31, wherein the plasminogen is selected from Glu-plasminogen, Lys-plasminogen, mini-plasminogen, micro-plasminogen, delta-plasminogen or their variants that retain the plasminogen activity.

Item 33. The method of any one of items 1 to 32, wherein the plasminogen is a natural or synthetic human plasminogen, or a variant or fragment thereof that still retains the plasminogen activity.

Item 34. The method of any one of items 1 to 32, wherein the plasminogen is an ortholog of human plasminogen from a primate or a rodent, or a variant or fragment thereof that still retains the plasminogen activity.

Item 35. The method of any one of items 1 to 34, wherein the amino acids of the plasminogen are as shown in SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12.

Item 36. The method of any one of items 1 to 35, wherein the plasminogen is a natural human plasminogen.

Item 37. The method of any one of items 1 to 36, wherein the subject is a human.

Item 38. The method of any one of items 1 to 37, wherein the subject is lack of or deficient in plasminogen.

Item 39. The method of item 38, wherein the lack or deficiency is congenital, secondary and/or local.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 40. A plasminogen for use in the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 41. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the plasminogen for use in the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 42. A preventive or therapeutic kit comprising: (i) the plasminogen for use in the method of any one of items 1 to 39, and (ii) a means for delivering the plasminogen to the subject.

Item 43. The kit of item 42, wherein the means is a syringe or a vial.

Item 44. The kit of item 42 or 43, further comprising a label or an instruction for use indicating the administration of the plasminogen to the subject to implement the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to: Item 45. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a container comprising a label; and

(i) the plasminogen for use in the method of any one of items 1 to 39 or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the plasminogen, wherein the label indicates the administration of the plasminogen or the composition to the subject to implement the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

Item 46. The kit of any one of items 42 to 44 or the article of manufacture of item 45, further comprising one or more additional means or containers containing other drugs.

Item 47. The kit or the article of manufacture of item 46, wherein the other drugs are selected from a group consisting of: a hypolipidemic drug, an anti-platelet drug, an antihypertensive drug, a vasodilator, a hypoglycemic drug, an anticoagulant drug, a thrombolytic drug, a hepatoprotective drug, an anti-arrhythmia drug, a cardiotonic drug, a diuretic drug, an anti-infective drug, an antiviral drug, an immunomodulatory drug, an inflammatory regulatory drug, an anti-tumor drug, a hormone drug, and thyroxine.

The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for implementing the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for the method of any one of items 1 to 39.

The present invention further relates to the prevention and/or treatment of a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject, comprising administering a prophylactically and/or therapeutically effective amount of plasminogen to the subject, wherein the subject is susceptible to a fat metabolism disorder, suffers from a fat metabolism disorder or other diseases accompanied by a fat metabolism disorder. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or treating a fat metabolism disorder and its related conditions in a subject.

In some embodiments, the fat metabolism disorder is a fat metabolism disorder elicited or accompanied by an endocrine disorder disease, a glucose metabolism disease, a liver disease, a kidney disease, a cardiovascular disease, an intestinal disease, a thyroid disease, a gallbladder or a biliary tract disease, obesity, drinking, and a drug therapy. In some embodiments, the fat metabolism disorder is a fat metabolism disorder elicited or accompanied by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, renal injury, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, kidney transplantation, uremia, hypothyroidism, obstructive cholecystitis, obstructive cholangitis, and a drug or hormone therapy. In some embodiments, the fat metabolism disorder is hyperlipemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, obesity, and a visceral fat deposition. In still some embodiments, the atherosclerosis comprises aortic atherosclerosis, coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, renal atherosclerosis, hepatic atherosclerosis, mesenteric atherosclerosis, and lower limb atherosclerosis.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or reducing an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a condition caused by an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a condition caused by an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or treating a condition caused by an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or treating a condition caused by an abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ of a subject.

In some embodiments, the abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ refers to an abnormal fat deposition in blood, a subcutaneous tissue, a vascular wall and an internal organ. In some embodiments, the condition resulting from the abnormal fat deposition in a body tissue and an organ comprises obesity, hyperlipemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, a lipid-induced cardiac damage, a lipid-induced renal damage, and a lipid-induced islet damage.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a condition resulting from a fat metabolism disorder in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a condition resulting from a fat metabolism disorder in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or treating a condition resulting from a fat metabolism disorder in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a condition resulting from a fat metabolism disorder in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or treating a condition resulting from a fat metabolism disorder in a subject. In some embodiments, the condition comprises obesity, hyperlipemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, a lipid-induced heart tissue injury, and a lipid-induced renal injury.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for treating a disease in a subject by reducing an abnormal fat deposition.

In some embodiments, the disease comprises atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, renal insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, and obesity.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a lipid-induced injury in a tissue and an organ of a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a lipid-induced injury in a tissue and an organ of a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or treating a lipid-induced injury in a tissue and an organ of a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a lipid-induced injury in a tissue and an organ of a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or treating a lipid-induced injury in a tissue and an organ of a subject.

In some embodiments, the tissue and the organ comprise an arterial wall, a heart, a liver, a kidney, and a pancreas.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for improving hyperlipemia in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for improving hyperlipemia in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for improving hyperlipemia in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for improving hyperlipemia in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for improving hyperlipemia in a subject.

In some embodiments, the hyperlipemia is selected from one or more of: hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, combined hyperlipemia, and hypo-high-density lipoproteinemia.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject.

In some embodiments, the subject suffers from hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, renal injury, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, kidney transplantation, uremia, hypothyroidism, obstructive cholecystitis, or obstructive cholangitis, or the subject takes a drug or hormone that affects fat metabolism. In some embodiments, the plasminogen reduces the risk of atherosclerosis in a subject in one or more ways selected from: lowering a total cholesterol level, a triglyceride level, and a low-density lipoprotein level in blood, and elevating a high-density lipoprotein level in blood.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating a disease in a subject by improving hyperlipemia, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for treating a disease by improving hyperlipemia in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for treating a disease by improving hyperlipemia in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for treating a disease by improving hyperlipemia in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for treating a disease by improving hyperlipemia in a subject.

In some embodiments, the condition comprises diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, cerebral circulation insufficiency, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, chronic nephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, renal insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, uremia, and obesity.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating a hyperlipemia-related condition in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a hyperlipemia-related condition in a subject. The present invention further relates to the use of plasminogen in the preparation of a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit for preventing and/or treating a hyperlipemia-related condition in a subject. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a plasminogen for preventing and/or treating a hyperlipemia-related condition in a subject. The present invention further relates to a medicament, a pharmaceutical composition, an article of manufacture, and a kit comprising plasminogen which are useful for preventing and/or treating a hyperlipemia-related condition in a subject. In some embodiments, the condition comprises diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, cerebral circulation insufficiency, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, chronic nephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, renal insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, uremia, and obesity.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the plasminogen is administered in combination with one or more other drugs or therapies. In some embodiments, the one or more other drugs comprises a drug for treating hypertension, a drug for treating diabetes mellitus, a drug for treating atherosclerosis, a drug for treating chronic glomerulonephritis, a drug for treating chronic pyelonephritis, a drug for treating nephrotic syndrome, a drug for treating renal insufficiency, a drug for treating uremia, a drug for treating kidney transplantation, a drug for treating fatty liver, a drug for treating hepatic cirrhosis, and a drug for treating obesity. In some embodiments, the other drugs comprise: a hypolipidemic drug, an anti-platelet drug, an antihypertensive drug, a vasodilator, a hypoglycemic drug, an anticoagulant drug, a thrombolytic drug, a hepatoprotective drug, an anti-arrhythmia drug, a cardiotonic drug, a diuretic drug, an anti-infective drug, an antiviral drug, an immunomodulatory drug, an inflammatory regulatory drug, an anti-tumor drug, a hormone drug, and thyroxine. In some further embodiments, the drugs comprise hypolipidemic drugs: statins; fibrates; niacin; cholestyramine; clofibrate; unsaturated fatty acids such as Yishouning, Xuezhiping, and Xinmaile; and alginic sodium diester; anti-platelet drugs: aspirin; dipyridamole; clopidogrel; and cilostazol; vasodilators: hydralazine; nitroglycerin, and isosorbide dinitrate; sodium nitroprusside; α1-receptor blockers such as prazosin; a-receptor blockers such as phentolamine; β2-receptor stimulants such as salbutamol; captopril, enalapril; nifedipine, diltiazem; and salbutamol, loniten, prostaglandin, and atrial natriuretic peptide; thrombolytic drugs: urokinase, and streptokinase; tissue-type plasminogen activators; single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activators; and a TNK tissue-type plasminogen activator; and anticoagulant drugs: heparin; enoxaparin; nadroparin; and bivalirudin.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the plasminogen may have at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity with SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12, and still have the activity of plasminogen. In some embodiments, the plasminogen is a protein that has 1-100, 1-90, 1-80, 1-70, 1-60, 1-50, 1-45, 1-40, 1-35, 1-30, 1-25, 1-20, 1-15, 1-10, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2 or 1 amino acid added, deleted and/or substituted in SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12, and still has the activity of plasminogen.

In some embodiments, the plasminogen is a protein that comprises a plasminogen active fragment and still has the activity of plasminogen. In some embodiments, the plasminogen is selected from Glu-plasminogen, Lys-plasminogen, mini-plasminogen, micro-plasminogen, delta-plasminogen or their variants that retain the plasminogen activity. In some embodiments, the plasminogen is a natural or synthetic human plasminogen, or a variant or fragment thereof that still retains the plasminogen activity. In some embodiments, the plasminogen is an ortholog of human plasminogen from a primate or a rodent, or a variant or fragment thereof that still retains the plasminogen activity. In some embodiments, the amino acids of the plasminogen are as shown in SEQ ID No. 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12. In some embodiments, the plasminogen is a natural human plasminogen.

In some embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is lack of or deficient in plasminogen. In some embodiments, the lack or deficiency is congenital, secondary and/or local.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the plasminogen for use in the above-mentioned method. In some embodiments, the kit may be a preventive or therapeutic kit comprising: (i) the plasminogen for use in the above-mentioned method, and (ii) a means for delivering the plasminogen to the subject. In some embodiments, the means is a syringe or a vial. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a label or an instruction for use indicating the administration of the plasminogen to the subject to implement any one of the above-mentioned methods.

In some embodiments, the article of manufacture comprising: a container comprising a label; and (i) the plasminogen for use in the above-mentioned methods or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the plasminogen, wherein the label indicates the administration of the plasminogen or the composition to the subject to implement any one of the above-mentioned methods.

In some embodiments, the kit or the article of manufacture further comprises one or more additional means or containers containing other drugs. In some embodiments, the other drugs are selected from a group consisting of: a hypolipidemic drug, an anti-platelet drug, an antihypertensive drug, a vasodilator, a hypoglycemic drug, an anticoagulant drug, a thrombolytic drug, a hepatoprotective drug, an anti-arrhythmia drug, a cardiotonic drug, a diuretic drug, an anti-infective drug, an antiviral drug, an immunomodulatory drug, an inflammatory regulatory drug, an anti-tumor drug, a hormone drug, and thyroxine.

In some embodiments of the above-mentioned method, the plasminogen is administered by systemic or topical route, preferably by the following routes: intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration of plasminogen for treatment. In some embodiments of the above-mentioned method, the plasminogen is administered in combination with a suitable polypeptide carrier or stabilizer. In some embodiments of the above-mentioned method, the plasminogen is administered at a dosage of 0.0001-2000 mg/kg, 0.001-800 mg/kg, 0.01-600 mg/kg, 0.1-400 mg/kg, 1-200 mg/kg, 1-100 mg/kg or 10-100 mg/kg (by per kg of body weight) or 0.0001-2000 mg/cm², 0.001-800 mg/cm², 0.01-600 mg/cm², 0.1-400 mg/cm², 1-200 mg/cm², 1-100 mg/cm² or 10-100 mg/cm² (by per square centimeter of body surface area) daily, preferably the dosage is repeated at least once, preferably the dosage is administered at least daily.

The present invention explicitly encompasses all the combinations of technical features belonging to the embodiments of the present invention, and these combined technical solutions have been explicitly disclosed in the present application, as if the above-mentioned technical solutions were individually and explicitly disclosed. In addition, the present invention also explicitly encompasses all the combinations between various embodiments and elements thereof, and the combined technical solutions are explicitly disclosed herein.

Definition

The “fat metabolism disorder” of the present invention, also known as “abnormal fat metabolism” and “lipodystrophy”, is the generic term for the clinical or pathological manifestations caused by the abnormality, disorder or dysfunction of fat metabolism. “Fat metabolism disorder”, “abnormal fat metabolism”, and “lipodystrophy” are used interchangeably herein. “Fat metabolism”, “lipid metabolism”, and “metabolism of lipids” are used interchangeably in the present invention.

“A fat metabolism disorder-related condition” is the generic term for the conditions related to fat metabolism disorder. The expression “related” may be etiology-, pathogenesis-, pathogenic manifestation-, clinical symptom- and/or therapeutic principle-related.

“Blood lipid” is the generic term for triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids. Lipoprotein is a globular macromolecular complex composed of apolipoproteins and blood lipids. Since lipoprotein is composed of different components, cholesterol and triglycerides, at different densities, it is divided into 5 categories: chylomicron (CM), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). According to the blood lipid risk level, the most common clinical types of dyslipoproteinemia are: hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, combined hyperlipemia, and hypo-high-density lipoproteinemia. Secondary dyslipidemia is commonly found in diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, kidney transplantation, a severe liver disease, an obstructive biliary tract disease, obesity, drinking, and drug therapy such as oestrogen therapy, etc. Primary dyslipidemia can be considered if secondary dyslipidemia can be ruled out.

“Hyperlipemia” refers to a pathological condition in which blood lipid components such as cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and non-lipidated fatty acids are elevated in plasma.

“A hyperlipemia-related condition” refers to a condition of which etiology, pathogenesis, pathogenic manifestations, clinical symptoms and/or therapeutic principle are related to hyperlipemia. Preferably, the condition includes but is not limited to diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, chronic hepatitis, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, cerebral circulation insufficiency, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, chronic nephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, renal insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, uremia, and obesity.

Abnormalities of one or several lipids in plasma due to abnormal fat metabolism or turnover are referred to as “hyperlipemia”, “hyperlipidemia” or “dyslipidemia”.

Lipids are insoluble or slightly soluble in water, and must bind to proteins to form lipoproteins to function in the blood circulation. Therefore, hyperlipemia is often a reflection of “hyperlipoproteinemia”.

The “hyperlipemia-related condition” of the present invention is also known as “hyperlipidemia-related condition” and “hyperlipoproteinemia-related condition”.

“Fatty liver” refers to a lesion of excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes due to various causes. It can be an independent disease or can be caused by other causes, such as obesity-induced fatty liver, alcohol-induced fatty liver, rapid weight loss induced fatty liver, malnutrition-induced fatty liver, diabetic fatty liver, drug-induced fatty liver, etc.

In the case of fatty liver, the lipid droplets in the hepatocytes are increased, resulting in steatosis and enlargement of the hepatocytes, and extrusion of the nuclei away from the center. Fat metabolism mainly takes place in the mitochondria. Fat is transported out of the cell mainly through the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Fat accumulation in hepatocytes further aggravates the burden of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum and reduces their functions, thus affecting the metabolism of other nutrients, hormones and vitamins. Long-term hepatocyte degeneration will lead to regeneration disorder and necrosis of hepatocytes, and thus form liver fibrosis and hepatic cirrhosis.

“Atherosclerosis” is a chronic, progressive arterial disease in which the fat deposited in the arteries partially or completely blocks blood flow. Atherosclerosis occurs when the otherwise smooth and solid arterial intima becomes roughened and thickened and is blocked by fat, fibrin, calcium, and cellular debris. Atherosclerosis is a progressive process. When the concentration of lipids in the blood is greatly increased, fatty streaks form along the arterial wall. These streaks can lead to deposits of fat and cholesterol, which attach to the otherwise smooth arterial intima and thus form nodules. Underneath these nodules, fibrotic scar tissue develops, leading to calcium deposition. The calcium deposits gradually develop into a chalky hard film (referred to as atherosclerotic plaque) that cannot be removed. This permanent film inside the artery would block the normal expansion and contraction of the artery, which slows the blood flow velocity within the artery, making the blood easy to form clots that block or stop blood flowing through the artery.

The exact cause of atherosclerosis has not been determined. However, important pathogenic factors have been identified as hyperlipemia, hypertension, a history of smoking, a family history of atherosclerosis (suffering from the disease before the age of 60) or diabetes mellitus. Hyperlipemia can promote the formation of fatty streaks. Hypertension exerts a constant force on the arteries, accelerating the process of arterial occlusion and arteriosclerosis; therefore, it can increase the prevalence of atherosclerosis. Smoking can cause arterial contractions and restrict blood flow, thus setting the stage for arterial occlusion. Diabetes mellitus can also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, especially in very small arteries.

In the case of atherosclerosis alone, people do not feel any symptoms. The disease is only discovered when an artery connected to a vital organ in the body is blocked. Symptoms are more pronounced when arteries in the organ are blocked. For instance, people may feel angina pectoris if the cardiac feeding artery is partially blocked; however, if it is completely blocked, it may lead to a heart disease (the death of heart tissue fed by the blocked artery). If atherosclerosis affects the cerebral arteries, people may experience dizziness, blurred vision, syncope, and even a stroke (the death of brain tissue fed by the blocked arteries, resulting in a nerve damage, such as paralysis of a limb controlled by dead brain tissue). Occlusion of arteries to the kidneys may also lead to renal failure. Occlusion of blood vessels to the eyes may lead to blindness. Occlusion of arteries in the extremities may lead to lesions in each limb.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, and peripheral vascular disease. Lipid metabolism disorder is the pathological basis of atherosclerosis, wherein the lesion of affected artery begins from intima, where accumulation of lipids and compound carbohydrates, hemorrhage and thrombosis first appear generally, followed by hyperplasia of fibrous tissue and calcinosis, with gradual metamorphosis and calcification of the arterial medial layer, leading to thickening and hardening of the arterial wall, and stenosis of vascular lumen. The lesion generally involves the large and medium muscular arteries. Once the lesion has developed enough to block the arterial lumen, the tissues or organs supplied by the artery will become ischemic or necrotic.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, and the occurrence of an atherosclerotic lesion in the blood vessels of an organ means that blood vessels elsewhere may already have had the same lesion; similarly, a vascular event in an organ means an increased risk of vascular event elsewhere.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Plasmin is a key component of the plasminogen activation system (PA system). It is a broad-spectrum protease that can hydrolyze several components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including fibrin, gelatin, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycan^([9]). In addition, plasmin can activate some pro-matrix metalloproteinases (pro-MMPs) to form active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Therefore, plasmin is considered to be an important upstream regulator of extracellular proteolysis^([10, 11]). Plasmin is formed by the proteolysis of plasminogen by two physiological PAs: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Due to the relatively high level of plasminogen in plasma and other body fluids, it is traditionally believed that the regulation of the PA system is primarily achieved through the levels of PA synthesis and activity. The synthesis of PA system components is strictly regulated by different factors, such as hormones, growth factors and cytokines. In addition, there are also specific physiological inhibitors of plasmin and PAs. The main inhibitor of plasmin is α2-antiplasmin. The activity of PAs is simultaneously inhibited by the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) of uPA and tPA and regulated by the plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) that primarily inhibits uPA. There are uPA-specific cell surface receptors (uPARs) that have direct hydrolytic activity on certain cell surfaces^([12, 13]).

Plasminogen is a single-stranded glycoprotein composed of 791 amino acids and has a molecular weight of about 92 kDa^([14, 15]). Plasminogen is mainly synthesized in the liver and is abundantly present in the extracellular fluid. The content of plasminogen in plasma is about 2 μM. Therefore, plasminogen is a huge potential source of proteolytic activity in tissues and body fluids^([16, 17]). Plasminogen exists in two molecular forms: glutamic acid-plasminogen (Glu-plasminogen) and lysine-plasminogen (Lys-plasminogen). The naturally secreted and uncleaved forms of plasminogen have an amino-terminal (N-terminal) glutamic acid and are therefore referred to as glutamic acid-plasminogen. However, in the presence of plasmin, glutamic acid-plasminogen is hydrolyzed to lysine-plasminogen at Lys76-Lys77. Compared with glutamic acid-plasminogen, lysine-plasminogen has a higher affinity for fibrin and can be activated by PAs at a higher rate. The Arg560-Va1561 peptide bond between these two forms of plasminogen can be cleaved by uPA or tPA, resulting in the formation of plasmin as a disulfide-linked double-strand protease^([18]). The amino-terminal portion of plasminogen contains five homotrimeric rings, i.e., the so-called kringles, and the carboxy-terminal portion contains a protease domain. Some kringles contain lysine-binding sites that mediate the specific interaction of plasminogen with fibrin and its inhibitor α2-AP. A newly discovered plasminogen is a 38 kDa fragment, comprising kringles 1-4, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. This fragment is named as angiostatin and can be produced by proteolysis of plasminogen by several proteases.

The main substrate of plasmin is fibrin, and the dissolution of fibrin is the key to prevent pathological thrombosis^([19]). Plasmin also has substrate specificity for several components of ECM, including laminin, fibronectin, proteoglycan and gelatin, indicating that plasmin also plays an important role in ECM remodeling^([15,20,21]). Indirectly, plasmin can also degrade other components of ECM by converting certain protease precursors into active proteases, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9. Therefore, it has been proposed that plasmin may be an important upstream regulator of extracellular proteolysis^([22]). In addition, plasmin has the ability to activate certain potential forms of growth factors^([23-25]). In vitro, plasmin can also hydrolyze components of the complement system and release chemotactic complement fragments.

“Plasmin” is a very important enzyme that exists in the blood and can hydrolyze fibrin clots into fibrin degradation products and D-dimers.

“Plasminogen” is the zymogenic form of plasmin, and based on the sequence in the swiss prot and calculated from the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No. 4) of the natural human plasminogen containing a signal peptide, is a glycoprotein composed of 810 amino acids, which has a molecular weight of about 90 kD and is synthesized mainly in the liver and capable of circulating in the blood; and the cDNA sequence encoding this amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 3. Full-length plasminogen contains seven domains: a C-terminal serine protease domain, an N-terminal Pan Apple (PAp) domain and five Kringle domains (Kringles 1-5). Referring to the sequence in the swiss prot, the signal peptide comprises residues Met1-Gly19, PAp comprises residues Glu20-Val98, Kringle 1 comprises residues Cys103-Cys181, Kringle 2 comprises residues Glu184-Cys262, Kringle 3 comprises residues Cys275-Cys352, Kringle 4 comprises residues Cys377-Cys454, and Kringle 5 comprises residues Cys481-Cys560. According to the NCBI data, the serine protease domain comprises residues Va1581-Arg804.

Glu-plasminogen is a natural full-length plasminogen and is composed of 791 amino acids (without a signal peptide of 19 amino acids); the cDNA sequence encoding this sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 1; and the amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 2. In vivo, Lys-plasminogen, which is formed by hydrolysis of amino acids at positions 76-77 of Glu-plasminogen, is also present, as shown in SEQ ID No.6; and the cDNA sequence encoding this amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No.5. 6-plasminogen is a fragment of full-length plasminogen that lacks the structure of Kringle 2-Kringle 5 and contains only Kringle 1 and the serine protease domain^([26, 27]). The amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No. 8) of δ-plasminogen has been reported in the literature^([27]), and the cDNA sequence encoding this amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 7. Mini-plasminogen is composed of Kringle 5 and the serine protease domain, and has been reported in the literature to comprise residues Val443-Asn791 (with the Glu residue of the Glu-plasminogen sequence that does not contain a signal peptide as the starting amino acid)^([28]); the amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 10; and the cDNA sequence encoding this amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 9. Micro-plasminogen comprises only the serine protease domain, the amino acid sequence of which has been reported in the literature to comprise residues Ala543-Asn791 (with the Glu residue of the Glu-plasminogen sequence that does not contain a signal peptide as the starting amino acid)^([29]), and the sequence of which has been also reported in patent document CN 102154253 A to comprise residues Lys531-Asn791 (with the Glu residue of the Glu-plasminogen sequence that does not contain a signal peptide as the starting amino acid) (the sequence in this patent application refers to the patent document CN 102154253 A); the amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 12; and the cDNA sequence encoding this amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID No. 11.

In the present invention, “plasmin” is used interchangeably with “fibrinolysin” and “fibrinoclase”, and the terms have the same meaning; and “plasminogen” is used interchangeably with “plasminogen” and “fibrinoclase zymogen”, and the terms have the same meaning

In the present application, the meaning of “lack” in plasminogen is that the content or activity of plasminogen in the body of a subject is lower than that of a normal person, which is low enough to affect the normal physiological function of the subject; and the meaning of “deficiency” in plasminogen is that the content or activity of plasminogen in the body of a subject is significantly lower than that of a normal person, or even the activity or expression is extremely small, and only through exogenous supply can the normal physiological function be maintained.

Those skilled in the art can understand that all the technical solutions of the plasminogen of the present invention are suitable for plasmin. Therefore, the technical solutions described in the present invention cover plasminogen and plasmin.

In the course of circulation, plasminogen is in a closed, inactive conformation, but when bound to thrombi or cell surfaces, it is converted into an active plasmin in an open conformation under the mediation of a plasminogen activator (PA). The active plasmin can further hydrolyze the fibrin clots to fibrin degradation products and D-dimers, thereby dissolving the thrombi. The PAp domain of plasminogen comprises an important determinant that maintains plasminogen in an inactive, closed conformation, and the KR domain is capable of binding to lysine residues present on receptors and substrates. A variety of enzymes that can serve as plasminogen activators are known, including: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), kallikrein, coagulation factor XII (Hagmann factor), and the like.

“Plasminogen active fragment” refers to an active fragment in the plasminogen protein that is capable of binding to a target sequence in a substrate and exerting the proteolytic function. The technical solutions of the present invention involving plasminogen encompass technical solutions in which plasminogen is replaced with a plasminogen active fragment. The plasminogen active fragment of the present invention is a protein comprising a serine protease domain of plasminogen. Preferably, the plasminogen active fragment of the present invention comprises SEQ ID No.14, or an amino acid sequence having an amino acid sequence identity of at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% with SEQ ID No.14. Therefore, plasminogen of the present invention comprises a protein containing the plasminogen active fragment and still having the plasminogen activity.

At present, methods for determining plasminogen and its activity in blood include: detection of tissue plasminogen activator activity (t-PAA), detection of tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PAAg) in plasma, detection of tissue plasminogen activity (plgA) in plasma, detection of tissue plasminogen antigen (plgAg) in plasma, detection of activity of the inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activators in plasma, detection of inhibitor antigens of tissue plasminogen activators in plasma and detection of plasmin-anti-plasmin (PAP) complex in plasma. The most commonly used detection method is the chromogenic substrate method: streptokinase (SK) and a chromogenic substrate are added to a test plasma, the PLG in the test plasma is converted into PLM by the action of SK, PLM acts on the chromogenic substrate, and then it is determined that the increase in absorbance is directly proportional to plasminogen activity using a spectrophotometer. In addition, plasminogen activity in blood can also be determined by immunochemistry, gel electrophoresis, immunonephelometry, radioimmuno-diffusion and the like.

“Orthologues or orthologs” refer to homologs between different species, including both protein homologs and DNA homologs, and are also known as orthologous homologs and vertical homologs. The term specifically refers to proteins or genes that have evolved from the same ancestral gene in different species. The plasminogen of the present invention includes human natural plasminogen, and also includes orthologues or orthologs of plasminogens derived from different species and having plasminogen activity.

“Conservatively substituted variant” refers to one in which a given amino acid residue is changed without altering the overall conformation and function of the protein or enzyme, including, but not limited to, replacing an amino acid in the amino acid sequence of the parent protein by an amino acid with similar properties (such as acidity, alkalinity, hydrophobicity, etc.). Amino acids with similar properties are well known. For example, arginine, histidine and lysine are hydrophilic basic amino acids and are interchangeable. Similarly, isoleucine is a hydrophobic amino acid that can be replaced by leucine, methionine or valine. Therefore, the similarity of two proteins or amino acid sequences with similar functions may be different. For example, the similarity (identity) is 70%-99% based on the MEGALIGN algorithm. “Conservatively substituted variant” also includes a polypeptide or enzyme having amino acid identity of 60% or more, preferably 75% or more, more preferably 85% or more, even more preferably 90% or more as determined by the BLAST or FASTA algorithm, and having the same or substantially similar properties or functions as the natural or parent protein or enzyme.

“Isolated” plasminogen refers to the plasminogen protein that is isolated and/or recovered from its natural environment. In some embodiments, the plasminogen will be purified (1) to a purity of greater than 90%, greater than 95% or greater than 98% (by weight), as determined by the Lowly method, such as more than 99% (by weight); (2) to a degree sufficiently to obtain at least 15 residues of the N-terminal or internal amino acid sequence using a spinning cup sequenator; or (3) to homogeneity, which is determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under reducing or non-reducing conditions using Coomassie blue or silver staining Isolated plasminogen also includes plasminogen prepared from recombinant cells by bioengineering techniques and separated by at least one purification step.

The terms “polypeptide”, “peptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein and refer to polymeric forms of amino acids of any length, which may include genetically encoded and non-genetically encoded amino acids, chemically or biochemically modified or derivatized amino acids, and polypeptides having modified peptide backbones. The term includes fusion proteins, including, but not limited to, fusion proteins having heterologous amino acid sequences, fusions having heterologous and homologous leader sequences (with or without N-terminal methionine residues); and the like.

The “percent amino acid sequence identity (%)” with respect to the reference polypeptide sequence is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence identical to the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence when a gap is introduced as necessary to achieve maximal percent sequence identity and no conservative substitutions are considered as part of sequence identity. The comparison for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in a variety of ways within the skill in the art, for example using publicly available computer softwares, such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for aligning sequences, including any algorithm needed to achieve the maximum comparison over the full length of the sequences being compared. However, for purposes of the present invention, the percent amino acid sequence identity value is generated using the sequence comparison computer program ALIGN-2.

In the case of comparing amino acid sequences using ALIGN-2, the % amino acid sequence identity of a given amino acid sequence A relative to a given amino acid sequence B (or may be expressed as a given amino acid sequence A having or containing a certain % amino acid sequence identity relative to, with or for a given amino acid sequence B) is calculated as follows:

fraction X/Y×100

wherein X is the number of identically matched amino acid residues scored by the sequence alignment program ALIGN-2 in the alignment of A and B using the program, and wherein Y is the total number of amino acid residues in B. It will be appreciated that where the length of amino acid sequence A is not equal to the length of amino acid sequence B, the % amino acid sequence identity of A relative to B will not be equal to the % amino acid sequence identity of B relative to A. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all the % amino acid sequence identity values used herein are obtained using the ALIGN-2 computer program as described in the previous paragraph.

As used herein, the terms “treatment” and “treating” refer to obtaining a desired pharmacological and/or physiologic effect. The effect may be complete or partial prevention of a disease or its symptoms and/or partial or complete cure of the disease and/or its symptoms, and includes: (a) prevention of the disease from developing in a subject that may have a predisposition to the disease but has not been diagnosed as having the disease; (b) suppression of the disease, i.e., blocking its formation; and (c) alleviation of the disease and/or its symptoms, i.e., eliminating the disease and/or its symptoms.

The terms “individual”, “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein and refer to mammals, including, but not limited to, murine (rats and mice), non-human primates, humans, dogs, cats, hoofed animals (e.g., horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats) and so on.

“Therapeutically effective amount” or “effective amount” refers to an amount of plasminogen sufficient to achieve the prevention and/or treatment of a disease when administered to a mammal or another subject to treat the disease. The “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the plasminogen used, the severity of the disease and/or its symptoms, as well as the age, body weight of the subject to be treated, and the like.

Preparation of the Plasminogen of the Present Invention

Plasminogen can be isolated and purified from nature for further therapeutic uses, and can also be synthesized by standard chemical peptide synthesis techniques. When chemically synthesized, a polypeptide can be subjected to liquid or solid phase synthesis. Solid phase polypeptide synthesis (SPPS) is a method suitable for chemical synthesis of plasminogen, in which the C-terminal amino acid of a sequence is attached to an insoluble support, followed by the sequential addition of the remaining amino acids in the sequence. Various forms of SPPS, such as Fmoc and Boc, can be used to synthesize plasminogen. Techniques for solid phase synthesis are described in Barany and Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis; pp. 3-284 in The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology. Vol. 2: Special Methods in Peptide Synthesis, Part A., Merrifield, et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85: 2149-2156 (1963); Stewart et al. Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd ed. Pierce Chem. Co., Rockford, Ill. (1984); and Ganesan A. 2006 Mini Rev. Med Chem. 6:3-10 and Camarero J A et al. 2005 Protein Pept Lett. 12:723-8. Briefly, small insoluble porous beads are treated with a functional unit on which a peptide chain is constructed. After repeated cycles of coupling/deprotection, the attached solid phase free N-terminal amine is coupled to a single N-protected amino acid unit. This unit is then deprotected to expose a new N-terminal amine that can be attached to another amino acid. The peptide remains immobilized on the solid phase before it is cut off.

Standard recombinant methods can be used to produce the plasminogen of the present invention. For example, a nucleic acid encoding plasminogen is inserted into an expression vector, so that it is operably linked to a regulatory sequence in the expression vector. Expression regulatory sequence includes, but is not limited to, promoters (e.g., naturally associated or heterologous promoters), signal sequences, enhancer elements and transcription termination sequences. Expression regulation can be a eukaryotic promoter system in a vector that is capable of transforming or transfecting eukaryotic host cells (e.g., COS or CHO cells). Once the vector is incorporated into a suitable host, the host is maintained under conditions suitable for high-level expression of the nucleotide sequence and collection and purification of plasminogen.

A suitable expression vector is usually replicated in a host organism as an episome or as an integral part of the host chromosomal DNA. In general, an expression vector contains a selective marker (e.g., ampicillin resistance, hygromycin resistance, tetracycline resistance, kanamycin resistance or neomycin resistance) to facilitate detection of those exogenous cells transformed with a desired DNA sequence.

Escherichia coli is an example of prokaryotic host cells that can be used to clone a polynucleotide encoding the subject antibody. Other microbial hosts suitable for use include Bacillus, for example, Bacillus subtilis and other species of enterobacteriaceae (such as Salmonella spp. and Serratia spp.), and various Pseudomonas spp. In these prokaryotic hosts, expression vectors can also be generated which will typically contain an expression control sequence (e.g., origin of replication) that is compatible with the host cell. In addition, there will be many well-known promoters, such as the lactose promoter system, the tryptophan (trp) promoter system, the beta-lactamase promoter system or the promoter system from phage lambda. Optionally in the case of manipulation of a gene sequence, a promoter will usually control expression, and has a ribosome binding site sequence and the like to initiate and complete transcription and translation.

Other microorganisms, such as yeast, can also be used for expression. Saccharomyces (e.g., S. cerevisiae) and Pichia are examples of suitable yeast host cells, in which a suitable vector has an expression control sequence (e.g., promoter), an origin of replication, a termination sequence and the like, as required. A typical promoter comprises 3-phosphoglycerate kinase and other glycolytic enzymes. Inducible yeast promoters specifically include promoters derived from alcohol dehydrogenase, isocytochrome C, and enzymes responsible for maltose and galactose utilization.

In addition to microorganisms, mammalian cells (e.g., mammalian cells cultured in cell culture in vitro) can also be used to express and generate the anti-Tau antibody of the present invention (e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a subject anti-Tau antibody). See Winnacker, From Genes to Clones, VCH Publishers, N.Y., N.Y. (1987). Suitable mammalian host cells include CHO cell lines, various Cos cell lines, HeLa cells, myeloma cell lines and transformed B cells or hybridomas. Expression vectors for these cells may comprise an expression control sequence, such as an origin of replication, promoter and enhancer (Queen et al. Immunol. Rev. 89:49 (1986)), as well as necessary processing information sites, such as a ribosome binding site, RNA splice site, polyadenylation site and transcription terminator sequence. Examples of suitable expression control sequences are promoters derived from white immunoglobulin gene, SV40, adenovirus, bovine papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus and the like. See Co et al. J. Immunol. 148:1149 (1992).

Once synthesized (chemically or recombinantly), the plasminogen of the present invention can be purified according to standard procedures in the art, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity column, column chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel electrophoresis and the like. The plasminogen is substantially pure, e.g., at least about 80% to 85% pure, at least about 85% to 90% pure, at least about 90% to 95% pure, or 98% to 99% pure or purer, for example free of contaminants such as cell debris, macromolecules other than the subject antibody and the like.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

A therapeutic formulation can be prepared by mixing plasminogen of a desired purity with an optional pharmaceutical carrier, excipient or stabilizer (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition, Osol, A. ed. (1980)) to form a lyophilized preparation or an aqueous solution. Acceptable carriers, excipients and stabilizers are non-toxic to the recipient at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers, such as phosphates, citrates and other organic acids; antioxidants, including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (e.g., octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; hexane chloride diamine; benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride; phenol, butanol or benzyl alcohol; alkyl p-hydroxybenzoates, such as methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight polypeptides (less than about 10 residues); proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids, such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides and other carbohydrates, including glucose, mannose or dextrins; chelating agents, such as EDTA; sugars, such as sucrose, mannitol, fucose or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions, such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., zinc-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants, such as TWEEN™, PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Preferred lyophilized anti-VEGF antibody formulations are described in WO 97/04801, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The formulations of the invention may also comprise one or more active compounds required for the particular condition to be treated, preferably those that are complementary in activity and have no side effects with one another, for example anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-arrhythmic drugs, drugs for treating diabetes mellitus, and the like.

The plasminogen of the present invention may be encapsulated in microcapsules prepared by techniques such as coacervation or interfacial polymerization, for example, it may be incorporated in a colloid drug delivery system (e.g., liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nanoparticles and nanocapsules), or incorporated in hydroxymethylcellulose or gel-microcapsules and poly-(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules in macroemulsions. These techniques are disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).

The plasminogen of the present invention for in vivo administration must be sterile. This can be easily achieved by filtration through a sterile filtration membrane before or after freeze drying and reconstitution.

The plasminogen of the present invention can be prepared into a sustained-release preparation. Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include solid hydrophobic polymer semi-permeable matrices having a shape and containing glycoproteins, such as films or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (e.g., poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate)) (Langer et al. J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 15: 167-277 (1981); and Langer, Chem. Tech., 12:98-105 (1982)), or poly(vinyl alcohol), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919, and EP 58,481), copolymer of L-glutamic acid and y ethyl-L-glutamic acid (Sidman et al. Biopolymers 22:547(1983)), nondegradable ethylene-vinyl acetate (Langer et al. supra), or degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as Lupron Depot™ (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), and poly D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. Polymers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate and lactic acid-glycolic acid, are able to persistently release molecules for 100 days or longer, while some hydrogels release proteins for a shorter period of time. A rational strategy for protein stabilization can be designed based on relevant mechanisms. For example, if the aggregation mechanism is discovered to be formation of an intermolecular S—S bond through thio-disulfide interchange, stability is achieved by modifying sulthydryl residues, lyophilizing from acidic solutions, controlling moisture content, using appropriate additives, and developing specific polymer matrix compositions.

Administration and Dosage

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is administered in different ways, for example by intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intracranial, intrathecal, intraarterial (e.g., via carotid), and intramuscular administration.

Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, and alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, or fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include liquid and nutrient supplements, electrolyte supplements and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present, for example, such as antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, chelating agents and inert gases.

The medical staff will determine the dosage regimen based on various clinical factors. As is well known in the medical field, the dosage of any patient depends on a variety of factors, including the patient's size, body surface area, age, the specific compound to be administered, sex, frequency and route of administration, overall health and other drugs administered simultaneously. The dosage range of the pharmaceutical composition comprising plasminogen of the present invention may be, for example, such as about 0.0001 to 2000 mg/kg, or about 0.001 to 500 mg/kg (such as 0.02 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.75 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) of the subject's body weight daily. For example, the dosage may be 1 mg/kg body weight or 50 mg/kg body weight, or in the range of 1 mg/kg-50 mg/kg, or at least 1 mg/kg. Dosages above or below this exemplary range are also contemplated, especially considering the above factors. The intermediate dosages in the above range are also included in the scope of the present invention. A subject may be administered with such dosages daily, every other day, weekly or based on any other schedule determined by empirical analysis. An exemplary dosage schedule includes 1-10 mg/kg for consecutive days. During administration of the drug of the present invention, the therapeutic effect and safety are required to be assessed real-timely.

Articles of Manufacture or Kits

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an article of manufacture or a kit comprising plasminogen of the present invention or plasmin useful in the treatment of angiocardiopathy and its related conditions caused by diabetes mellitus. The article preferably includes a container, label or package insert. Suitable containers include bottles, vials, syringes and the like. The container can be made of various materials, such as glass or plastic. The container contains a composition that is effective to treat the disease or condition of the present invention and has a sterile access (for example, the container may be an intravenous solution bag or vial containing a plug that can be pierced by a hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the composition is plasminogen/plasmin. The label on or attached to the container indicates that the composition is used to treat the angiocardiopathy and its related conditions caused by diabetes mellitus according to the present invention. The article may further comprise a second container containing a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer, such as phosphate buffered saline, Ringer's solution and glucose solution. It may further comprise other substances required from a commercial and user perspective, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles and syringes. In addition, the article comprises a package insert with instructions for use, including, for example, instructions to direct a user of the composition to administer to a patient the plasminogen composition and other drugs for treating an accompanying disease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows detection results of serum atherosclerosis index after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 20 days. The results showed that the atherosclerosis index of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was extremely significant (** indicates P<0.01). It indicates that plasminogen can effectively lower the risk of atherosclerosis in hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 2 shows detection results of serum total cholesterol after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of total cholesterol in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of total cholesterol in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 3 shows detection results of serum triglyceride after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of triglyceride in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of triglyceride in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 4 shows detection results of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of LDL-C in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 5 shows a representative image of oil red O staining of liver after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, B represents the group administered with plasminogen, and C represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the fat deposition in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in liver of atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 6 shows a representative image of oil red O staining of aortic sinus after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B represents the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the fat deposition in aortic sinus of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS. It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate fat deposition in aortic sinus of atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 7 shows observed results of oil red O staining of liver after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, B represents the group administered with plasminogen, and C represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the fat deposition in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate fat deposition in liver of hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 8 shows observed results of oil red O staining of aortic sinus after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A and C represent the control group administered with vehicle PBS, B and D represent the group administered with plasminogen, and E represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the fat deposition in aortic sinus of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate fat deposition in aortic sinus of hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 9 shows a representative image of HE staining of aortic sinus after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A and C refer to the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B and D refer to the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the foam cell deposition (indicated by arrow) and the plaque deposition on the aortic wall in the control group administered with vehicle PBS were severe; while in the group administered with plasminogen, only a mild foam cell deposition was observed on the aortic wall, no obvious atherosclerotic plaque deposition was observed under the intima, and the aortic injury in the group administered with plasminogen was relatively minor It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate the injury caused by lipid deposition on the inner wall of aortic sinus of hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 10 shows an image of immunohistochemical staining of cardiac fibrin after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, B represents the group administered with plasminogen, and C represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the positive expression of cardiac fibrin in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce the cardiac injury caused by hyperlipemia.

FIG. 11 shows a representative image of IgM immunostaining of heart after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B represents the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the positive expression of IgM in the heart of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, indicating that plasminogen can alleviate the cardiac injury caused by hyperlipemia.

FIG. 12 shows a representative image of Sirius red staining of heart after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B represents the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the collagen deposition in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, indicating that plasminogen can alleviate the cardiac fibrosis in hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 13 shows detection results of serum troponin after administration of plasminogen to 16-week hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of cardiac troponin in serum in the control group administered with vehicle PBS was remarkably higher than that in the group administered with plasminogen, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can significantly repair the damage to hyperlipidemic heart.

FIG. 14 shows detection results of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 10 days and 20 days. The results showed that the concentration of HDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably higher than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the high-density lipoprotein concentrations of the two groups were statistically different after administration for 10 or 20 days (** indicates P<0.01). It indicates that plasminogen can effectively elevate the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of hyperlipemia model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 15 shows detection results of serum total cholesterol after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 20 days. The results showed that the concentration of total cholesterol in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of serum total cholesterol in hyperlipemia model mice, and has an effect of lowering blood lipid.

FIG. 16 shows detection results of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 20 days. The results showed that the concentration of LDL-C in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of hyperlipemia model mice, and has an effect of improving hyperlipemia.

FIG. 17 shows results of serum cardiac risk index after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 20 days. The results showed that CRI in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was extremely significant (** indicates P<0.01). It indicates that plasminogen can effectively lower the risk of heart disease in hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 18 shows an image of oil red O staining of liver after administration of plasminogen to 24- to 25-week diabetic mice for 35 days. The results showed that the lipid deposition area in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was significantly less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (* indicates P<0.05). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in liver of diabetic mice.

FIG. 19 shows an image of HE staining of aorta after administration of plasminogen to 24- to 25-week-old diabetic mice for 31 days. A and C refer to the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B and D refer to the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, there was a foam cell deposition (indicated by arrow) on the vascular wall, the middle elastic membrane was arranged in disorder, and the vascular wall was thickened and accidented; while in the group administered with plasminogen, the middle elastic membrane had a regular structure in a wave shape, and the thickness of vascular wall was uniform. It indicates that the injection of plasminogen has a certain repair effect on aortic injury caused by diabetes mellitus.

FIG. 20 shows a representative image of oil red O staining of ventricle after administration of plasminogen to 26-week-old diabetic mice for 35 days. A represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B represents the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the lipid deposition in ventricle (indicated by arrow) of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS. It indicates that plasminogen can reduce lipid deposition in ventricle of diabetic mice, and promote the repair of ventricular injury.

FIG. 21 shows detection results of the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum after administration of plasminogen to 26-week-old diabetic mice for 35 days. The results showed that after 35 days of continuous injection of human plasminogen into diabetic mice, the content of HDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was higher than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant. It indicates that the injection of plasminogen can promote the increase in the content of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improve the dyslipidemia in diabetic mice.

FIG. 22 shows detection results of the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum after administration of plasminogen to 24- to 25-week-old diabetic mice for 31 days. The results showed that after continuous injection of human plasminogen into diabetic model mice for 31 days, the content of LDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was close to significant (P=0.1). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of diabetic mice.

FIG. 23 shows a representative image of Sirius red staining of aortic sinus after administration of plasminogen to 16-week-old hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A and C refer to the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and B and D refer to the group administered with plasminogen. The results showed that the area of collagen deposition (indicated by arrow) on the inner walls of blood vessels of aortic sinus in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, indicating that plasminogen can alleviate the level of aortic sinus fibrosis in hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 24 shows statistical results of cardiac coefficient after administration of plasminogen to ApoE atherosclerosis model mice for 30 days. The results showed that the cardiac organ coefficient of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS. It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate the compensatory cardiac hypertrophy caused by cardiac injury in ApoE atherosclerosis model mice.

FIG. 25 shows observed results of Sirius red staining of kidney after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the blank control group, B represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, C represents the group administered with plasminogen, and D represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the collagen deposition in kidney (indicated by arrow) in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant; and in the group administered with plasminogen, fibrosis was substantially restored to a normal level. It indicates that plasminogen can effectively reduce renal fibrosis in 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice.

FIG. 26 shows observed results of oil red O of kidney after administration of plasminogen to 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice for 30 days. A represents the blank control group, B represents the control group administered with vehicle PBS, C represents the group administered with plasminogen, and D represents the quantitative analysis results. The results showed that the fat deposition in kidney (indicated by arrow) of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference; in addition, the lipid deposition level in the group administered with plasminogen was similar to that in mice in the blank control group. It indicates that plasminogen can reduce the fat deposition in kidney of hyperlipemia model mice, and thus reduce renal injury caused by fat deposition.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Plasminogen Lowers Risk of Atherosclerosis Formation in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30,31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. After administration on Day 20, the mice began to fast for 16 hours, and on Day 21, 50 μL of blood was collected from orbital venous plexus, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant. The total cholesterol content was detected by using a total cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A111-1); and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content was detected using a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A112-1).

Atherosclerosis index is a comprehensive index to predict atherosclerosis clinically. It is considered to be of greater clinical importance as an estimate of the risk of coronary heart disease than total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein alone^([38]). Atherosclerosis index=(T-CHO-HDL-C)/HDL-C.

The calculation results showed that the atherosclerosis index of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 1). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the risk of atherosclerosis in hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 2 Plasminogen Lowers the Content of Serum Total Cholesterol in ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([)40, 41]. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was set as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. On Day 30, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 31, the blood was collected from removed eyeballs, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for the total cholesterol using a total cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A111-1).

The detection results showed that the concentration of total cholesterol in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (P=0.014) (FIG. 2). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of total cholesterol in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia of atherosclerosis.

Example 3 Plasminogen Lowers the Content of Serum Triglyceride in ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([)40, 41]. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. On Day 30, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 31, the blood was collected from removed eyeballs, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for triglyceride using a triglyceride detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A110-1).

The detection results showed that the concentration of triglyceride in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (P=0.013) (FIG. 3). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of triglyceride in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia of atherosclerosis.

Example 4 Plasminogen Lowers the Content of Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([)40, 41]. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. On Day 30, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 31, the blood was collected from removed eyeballs, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for LDL-C using a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A113-1).

The results showed that the concentration of LDL-C in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (P=0.017) (FIG. 4). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of ApoE atherosclerosis model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis model mice.

Example 5 Plasminogen Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Liver of ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([40, 41]). The model mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. The mice were sacrificed on Day 31. The liver tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8 μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 400×.

The staining results showed that the fat deposition in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 5B) was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 5A), and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference (P=0.02) (FIG. 5C). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in liver of atherosclerosis model mice.

Example 6 Plasminogen Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Aortic Sinus of ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([)40, 41]. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. The mice were sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8 μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 40×.

The staining results showed that the fat deposition in aortic sinus of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 6B) was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 6A). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce lipid deposition in aortic sinus of atherosclerosis model mice.

Example 7 Plasminogen Reduces the Fat Deposition in Liver of 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The livers were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 400×.

Oil red O staining can show lipid deposition and reflect the extent of lipid deposition^([32]). The results showed that the fat deposition in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 7B) was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 7A), and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference (FIG. 7C). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in liver of hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 8 Plasminogen Reduces Lipid Deposition in Aortic Sinus of 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections of aortic sinus were 8 μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 40× (FIGS. 8A and 8B) and 200× (FIGS. 8C and 8D).

The results showed that the fat deposition in aortic sinus of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIGS. 8B and 8D) was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIGS. 8A and 8C), and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 8E). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce lipid deposition in aortic sinus of hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 9 Plasminogen Improves Aortic Sinus Injury in 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The fixed tissue samples were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The aortic sinus tissue sections were 3 μm thick. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE staining), differentiated with 1% hydrochloric acid in alcohol, and returned to blue with ammonia water. The sections were sealed after dehydration with alcohol gradient, and observed under an optical microscope at 40× (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and 200× (FIGS. 9C and 9D). The results showed that the foam cell deposition (indicated by arrow) and the plaque deposition on the inner wall of aortic sinus in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIGS. 9A and 9C) were severe; while in the group administered with plasminogen (FIGS. 9B and 9D), only a mild foam cell deposition was observed on the inner wall of aortic sinus, no obvious atherosclerotic plaque deposition was observed under the intima, and the injury to the inner wall of aortic sinus in the group administered with plasminogen was relatively minor It indicates that plasminogen can ameliorate the damage to the inner wall of arterial sinus of hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 10 Plasminogen Reduces Expression of Cardiac Fibrin in 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30,31 ]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The thickness of the tissue sections was 3 μm. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated and washed with water once. The sections were incubated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes and washed with water twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were blocked with 5% normal goat serum liquid (Vector laboratories, Inc., USA) for 30 minutes, and after the time was up, the goat serum liquid was discarded, and the tissues were circled with a PAP pen. The sections were incubated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes and washed with water twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were incubated with rabbit anti-mouse fibrin antibody (Abcam) overnight at 4° C. and washed with 0.01M PBS twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were incubated with a secondary antibody, goat anti-rabbit IgG (HRP) antibody (Abcam), for 1 hour at room temperature and washed with PBS twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were developed with a DAB kit (Vector laboratories, Inc., USA). After washed with water three times, the sections were counterstained with hematoxylin for 30 seconds and flushed with running water for 5 minutes. After dehydration with alcohol gradient, permeabilization with xylenehe, and sealing with a neutral gum, the sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

Fibrinogen is the precursor of fibrin, and in the presence of tissue injury, as a stress response to the body's injury, fibrinogen is hydrolyzed into fibrin and deposited at the injury site^([33, 34]). Therefore, the local fibrin level at the injury site can be used as a sign of the degree of injury.

The immunohistochemical staining results showed that the positive expression of cardiac fibrin in mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 10B) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 10A), and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 10C), indicating that plasminogen can reduce a myocardial injury caused by hyperlipemia.

Example 11 Plasminogen Protects 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice From Myocardial Injury Effectively

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The thickness of the tissue sections was 3 μm. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated and washed with water once. The sections were incubated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes and washed with water twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were blocked with 5% normal goat serum liquid (Vector laboratories, Inc., USA) for 30 minutes, and after the time was up, the goat serum liquid was discarded, and the tissues were circled with a PAP pen. The sections were incubated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes and washed with water twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were incubated with goat anti-mouse IgM (HRP) antibody (Abcam) for 1 hour at room temperature and washed with PBS twice for 5 minutes each time. The sections were developed with a DAB kit (Vector laboratories, Inc., USA). After washed with water three times, the sections were subjected to nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 seconds and flushing with running water for 5 minutes. After dehydration with alcohol gradient, permeabilization with xylenehe, and sealing with a neutral gum, the sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

IgM antibodies play an important role during the clearance of apoptotic and necrotic cells, and the local level of IgM antibodies in damaged tissues and organs is positively correlated with the degree of injury^([35, 36]). Therefore, detection of local level of IgM antibodies in tissues and organs can reflect the extent of injury of the tissues and organs.

The immunostaining results showed that the positive expression of IgM in the heart of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 11B) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 11A), indicating that plasminogen can reduce the cardiac injury in hyperlipemia model animals.

Example 12 Plasminogen Alleviates Cardiac Fibrosis in 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The heart tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The tissue sections was 3 μm thick. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated and washed with water once. After stained with 0.1% Sirius red in saturated picric acid for 30 min, the sections were flushed with running water for 2 min. After stained with hematoxylin for 1 min, the sections were flushed with running water, differentiated with 1% hydrochloric acid in alcohol, returned to blue with ammonia water, flushed with running water, dried and sealed with a neutral gum. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

Sirius red staining allows for long-lasting staining of collagen. As a special staining method for pathological sections, Sirius red staining can show the collagen tissue specifically.

The staining results showed that the deposition of collagen in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 12B) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 12A), indicating that plasminogen can reduce the deposition of collagen in the heart tissues of hyperlipemia model mice and alleviate myocardial fibrosis.

Example 13 Plasminogen Repairs Myocardial Injury in 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The administration lasted for 30 days. After administration on Day 30, the mice began to fast for 16 hours, and on Day 31, the blood was collected from removed eyeballs, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for the concentration of troponin in serum using cardiac troponin (Cardiac troponin I, CTNI) detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng).

Cardiac troponin I is an important marker of myocardial injury, and its serum concentration can reflect the extent of myocardial injury^([37]).

The detection results showed that the concentration of cardiac troponin in serum in the control group administered with vehicle PBS was remarkably higher than that in the group administered with plasminogen, and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 13). It indicates that plasminogen can significantly ameliorate the cardiac injury in hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 14 Plasminogen Increases the Concentration of Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 20 days. On Day 10 and Day 20, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 11 and Day 21, 50 μL of blood was collected from orbital venous plexus, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant, which was used in detecting the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol herein was detected by the method as described in a detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A112-1).

High-density lipoprotein is an anti-atherosclerosisplasma lipoprotein, a protective factor of coronary heart disease, commonly known as “vascular scavenger”.

The detection results showed that the concentration of HDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably higher than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the HDL-C concentrations of the two groups were statistically different after administration for 10 or 20 days (FIG. 14). It indicates that plasminogen can elevate the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of hyperlipemia model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in mice with hyperlipemia.

Example 15 Plasminogen Lowers the Serum Total Cholesterol Level in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 20 days. On Day 20, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 21, 50 μL of blood was collected from orbital venous plexus, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant. The total cholesterol was detected using a total cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A111-1).

The detection results showed that the concentration of total cholesterol in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 15). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of serum total cholesterol in hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 16 Plasminogen Lowers the Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 20 days. On Day 20, the mice fasted for 16 hours, and on Day 21, 50 μL of blood was collected from orbital venous plexus, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was detected using a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A113-1).

Low-density lipoprotein is a lipoprotein particle that carries cholesterol into peripheral tissue cells and can be oxidized into oxidized low-density lipoprotein. When low-density lipoprotein, particularly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) is in excess, the cholesterol it carries accumulates on the arterial wall, causing arteriosclerosis. Therefore, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is called “bad cholesterol”.

The results showed that the concentration of LDL-C in mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 16). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of hyperlipemia model mice, and improve the dyslipidemia in mice with hyperlipemia.

Example 17 Plasminogen Lowers Risk of Onset of Heart Disease in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. After administration on Day 20, the mice began to fast for 16 hours, and on Day 21, 50 μL of blood was collected from orbital venous plexus, and centrifuged to obtain a supernatant. The total cholesterol content was detected by using a total cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A111-1); and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content was detected using a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A112-1). Cardiac risk index=T-CHO/HDL-C. Cardiac risk index (CRI) is used to assess the risk of heart disease induced by dyslipidemia^([38]).

The results showed that CRI in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was extremely significant (FIG. 17). It indicates that plasminogen can effectively lower the risk of heart disease in hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 18 Plasminogen Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Liver of Diabetic Mice

Ten 24- to 25-week-old male db/db mice were weighed on the day the experiment started, i.e. Day 0, and were randomly divided into two groups based on the body weight, 5 mice in each of the control group administered with vehicle PBS and the group administered with plasminogen. Plasminogen or PBS was administered to the mice from Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with plasminogen at a dose of 2 mg/0.2 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 35 consecutive days. The mice were sacrificed on Day 36. The liver tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

The staining results showed that the lipid deposition area in liver of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 18B) was significantly lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 18A), and the statistical difference was significant (P=0.02) (FIG. 18C). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in liver of diabetic mice.

Example 19 Plasminogen Alleviates Injury of Aortic Wall in Diabetic Mice

Ten 24- to 25-week-old male db/db mice were weighed on the day the experiment started, i.e. Day 0, and were randomly divided into two groups based on the body weight, 5 mice in each of the control group administered with vehicle PBS and the group administered with plasminogen. PBS or plasminogen was administered to the mice from Day 1 for 31 consecutive days. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with plasminogen at a dose of 2 mg/0.2 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. Mice were sacrificed on Day 32, and the aortas were fixed in 10% neutral formalin fixative for 24 hours. The fixed aortas were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The tissue sections were 5 μm thick. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE staining), differentiated with 1% hydrochloric acid in alcohol, and returned to blue with ammonia water. The sections were sealed after dehydration with alcohol gradient, and observed under an optical microscope at 400× (FIGS. 19A and 19B) and at 1000× (FIGS. 19C and 19D) oil immersion lens.

Diabetes mellitus with hyperlipemia is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and an important risk factor for diabetic macroangiopathy^([39]).

The staining results showed that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIGS. 19A and 19C), there was a foam cell deposition (indicated by arrow) on the vascular wall, the middle elastic membrane was arranged in disorder, and the vascular wall was thickened and accidented; while in the group administered with plasminogen (FIGS. 19B and 19D), the middle elastic membrane has a regular structure in a wave shape, and the thickness of vascular wall was uniform. It indicates that the injection of plasminogen can reduce lipid deposition on the aortic wall of diabetic mice, and has a certain protective effect on the injury caused by lipid deposition on the arterial wall.

Example 20 Plasminogen Lowers Lipid Deposition in Ventricle of Diabetic Mice

Nine 26-week-old male db/db mice were randomly divided into groups, 4 mice in the group administered with plasminogen, and 5 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 2 mg/0.2 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 35 days. The mice were sacrificed on Day 36. The hearts were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8 μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

The results showed that the lipid deposition in ventricle (indicated by arrow) of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 20B) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 20A). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce fat deposition in ventricle of diabetic mice, and promote the repair of ventricular injury.

Example 21 Plasminogen Increases the High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Serum of Diabetic Mice

Twenty 26-week-old male db/db mice were weighed on the day the experiment started, i.e. Day 0, and were randomly divided into two groups based on the body weight, 11 mice in the group administered with plasminogen, and 9 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS. Plasminogen or PBS was administered to the mice from Day 1 for 35 consecutive days. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 2 mg/0.2 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group via the tail vein. On Day 36, the whole blood was collected from removed eyeballs in mice, and centrifuged at 3500 r/min at 4° C. for 10 min to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum using a high-density lipoprotein detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A112-1).

The detection results showed that the content of HDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was higher than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 21). It indicates that the injection of plasminogen can promote the increase in the content of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improve the dyslipidemia of diabetes mellitus.

Example 22 Plasminogen Lowers Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Serum of Diabetic Mice

Ten 24- to 25-week-old male db/db mice were weighed on the day the experiment started, i.e. Day 0, and were randomly divided into two groups based on the body weight, 5 mice in each of the group administered with plasminogen and the control group administered with vehicle PBS. Three db/m mice were taken as the normal control group. Plasminogen or PBS was administered to the mice from Day 1 for 31 consecutive days. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 2 mg/0.2 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the PBS control group via the tail vein, and mice in the normal control group received no treatment. On Day 32, the whole blood was collected from removed eyeballs in mice, and centrifuged at 3500 r/min at 4° C. for 10 min to obtain a supernatant, which was detected for the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum using a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol detection kit (Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Cat #A113-1).

The results showed that after continuous injection of human plasminogen into diabetic model mice for 31 days, the content of LDL-C in serum of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and the statistical difference was close to significant (P=0.1) (FIG. 22). It indicates that plasminogen can lower the content of LDL-C in serum.

Example 23 Plasminogen Reduces Aortic Sinus Fibrosis in 16-Week Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Eleven 6-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 16-week hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with a high-cholesterol diet. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 6 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 5 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The hearts were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The aortic sinus sections was 3 μm thick. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated and washed with water once. After stained with 0.1% Sirius red in saturated picric acid for 30 min, the sections were flushed with running water for 2 min. After stained with hematoxylin for 1 min, the sections were flushed with running water, differentiated with 1% hydrochloric acid in alcohol, returned to blue with ammonia water, flushed with running water, dried and sealed with a neutral gum. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 40× (FIGS. 23A and 23B) and 200× (FIGS. 23C and 23D).

The results showed that the area of collagen deposition (indicated by arrow) on the inner walls of blood vessels of aortic sinus in the group administered with plasminogen (FIGS. 23B and 23D) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIGS. 23A and 23C), indicating that plasminogen can alleviate the level of aortic sinus fibrosis in hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 24 Plasminogen Ameliorates Compensatory Cardiac Hypertrophy in ApoE Atherosclerosis Mice

Thirteen 6-week-old male ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (Nantong TROPHIC, TP2031) for 16 weeks to induce the hyperlipemia model^([40, 41]). 50 μL of blood was taken from each model mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content was detected. The mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the T-CHO content, 7 mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS, and 6 mice in the group administered with plasminogen. The first day of administration was set as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The administration lasted for 30 days. During the administration, mice continued to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. After weighed on Day 31 of administration, the mice were sacrificed, their hearts were weighed, and cardiac coefficients were calculated. Cardiac coefficient (%)=heart weight/body weight×100.

The results showed that the cardiac coefficient of mice in the group administered with plasminogen was remarkably lower than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 24). It indicates that plasminogen can alleviate the compensatory cardiac hypertrophy caused by cardiac injury in ApoE atherosclerosis model mice.

Example 25 Plasminogen Lowers Renal Fibrosis in 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with the 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. Another five male C57 mice of the same week age were taken as the blank control group, and were fed with a normal maintenance diet during the experiment. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol was detected. The model mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, i.e., the group administered with plasminogen, and the control group administered with vehicle PBS, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein. The mice were administered for a period of 30 days and sacrificed on Day 31. The kidneys were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours. The fixed tissues were paraffin-embedded after dehydration with alcohol gradient and permeabilization with xylene. The kidney tissue sections was 3 μm thick. The sections were dewaxed and rehydrated and washed with water once. After stained with 0.1% Sirius red in saturated picric acid for 30 min, the sections were flushed with running water for 2 min After stained with hematoxylin for 1 min, the sections were flushed with running water, differentiated with 1% hydrochloric acid in alcohol, returned to blue with ammonia water, flushed with running water, dried and sealed with a neutral gum. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 200×.

The results showed that the collagen deposition in kidney (indicated by arrow) in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 25C) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 25B), and the statistical difference was significant (FIG. 25D); while in the group administered with plasminogen, fibrosis was substantially restored to a normal level (FIG. 25A). It indicates that plasminogen can effectively reduce renal fibrosis in 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model mice.

Example 26 Plasminogen Lowers Fat Deposition in Kidney of 3% Cholesterol Hyperlipemia Model Mice

Sixteen 9-week-old male C57 mice were fed with a 3% cholesterol high-fat diet (Nantong TROPHIC) for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipemia^([30, 31]). This model was designated as the 3% cholesterol hyperlipemia model. The model mice continued to be fed with the 3% cholesterol high-fat diet. Another five male C57 mice of the same week age were taken as the blank control group, and were fed with a normal maintenance diet during the experiment. 50 μL of blood was taken from each mouse three days before administration, and the total cholesterol was detected. The model mice were randomly divided into two groups based on the total cholesterol concentration and the body weight, i.e., the group administered with plasminogen, and the control group administered with vehicle PBS, 8 mice in each group. The first day of administration was recorded as Day 1. Mice in the group administered with plasminogen were injected with human plasminogen at a dose of 1 mg/0.1 mL/mouse/day via the tail vein, and an equal volume of PBS was administered to mice in the control group administered with vehicle PBS via the tail vein, both lasting for 30 days. The mice were sacrificed on Day 31. The kidneys were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 24 to 48 hours, then sedimented in 15% and 30% sucrose at 4° C. overnight, respectively, and embedded in OCT. The frozen sections were 8 μm thick, stained with oil red O for 15 min, differentiated with 75% ethanol for 5 s, followed by nuclear staining with hematoxylin for 30 s, and sealing with glycerine and gelatin. The sections were observed under an optical microscope at 400×.

The results showed that the fat deposition in kidney (indicated by arrow) of mice in the group administered with plasminogen (FIG. 26C) was remarkably less than that in the control group administered with vehicle PBS (FIG. 26B), and the quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference (FIG. 26D); in addition, the lipid deposition level in the group administered with plasminogen was similar to that in mice in the blank control group (FIG. 26A). It indicates that plasminogen can reduce the fat deposition in kidney of hyperlipemia model mice, and thus reduce renal injury caused by fat deposition.

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1. A method for preventing atherosclerosis, comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of plasminogen to a subject susceptible to atherosclerosis.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject susceptible to or suffering from a disease selected from a group consisting of a fat metabolism disorder, a glucose metabolism disease, a liver disease, a kidney disease, a cardiovascular disease, an intestinal disease, a thyroid disease, a gallbladder or biliary tract disease, and obesity, or a subject who drinks excessively.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject susceptible to atherosclerosis is a subject susceptible to or suffering from a disease selected from a group consisting of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, hyperlipemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, renal injury, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, kidney transplantation, uremia, hypothyroidism, obstructive cholecystitis, obstructive cholangitis, and obesity. 4-5. (canceled)
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the plasminogen prevents or reduces an abnormal fat deposition in a vascular wall or an internal organ. 7-11. (canceled)
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the plasminogen prevents atherosclerosis by one or more of: lowering a serum total cholesterol level in the subject, lowering a serum triglyceride level in the subject, lowering a serum low-density lipoprotein level in the subject, elevating a serum high-density lipoprotein level in the subject, promoting fat metabolism in the liver, promoting fat transport in the liver, and reducing fat deposition in the liver of the subject. 13-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for preventing coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of plasminogen to the subj ect.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the plasminogen prevents coronary atherosclerosis and/or coronary heart disease in the subject in one or more ways selected from: promoting fat metabolism in the liver, promoting fat transport in the liver, reducing fat deposition in the liver of the subject, lowering a serum total cholesterol level in the subject, lowering a serum triglyceride level in the subject, lowering a serum low-density lipoprotein level in the subject, and elevating a serum high-density lipoprotein level in the subject, and reducing the fat deposition on vascular walls of aortas and/or coronary arteries. 18-26. (canceled)
 27. The use of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen is administered in combination with one or more other drugs and therapies.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more other drugs comprise: a hypolipidemic drug, an anti-platelet drug, an antihypertensive drug, a vasodilator, a hypoglycemic drug, an anticoagulant drug, a thrombolytic drug, a hepatoprotective drug, an anti-arrhythmia drug, a cardiotonic drug, a diuretic drug, an anti-infective drug, an antiviral drug, an immunomodulatory drug, an inflammatory regulatory drug, and a hormone drug.
 29. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen has at least 75% sequence identity with SEQ ID No. 2 and still has the plasminogen activity.
 30. (canceled)
 31. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen is a protein that comprises a plasminogen active fragment and still has the plasminogen activity.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen is selected from Glu-plasminogen, Lys-plasminogen, mini-plasminogen, micro-plasminogen, delta-plasminogen or their variants that retain the plasminogen activity.
 33. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen is a natural or synthetic human plasminogen, or a variant or fragment thereof that still retains the plasminogen activity. 34-47. (canceled)
 48. The method of claim 1, wherein the preventing atherosclerosis comprises preventing an atherosclerosis-related condition, and wherein the atherosclerosis-related condition is a condition caused by arteriostenosis or arterial thrombosis resulting from atherosclerosis.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the atherosclerosis-related condition is one of more selected from: coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, cerebral ischemia, cerebral thrombosis, carotid thrombosis, brain atrophy, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, renal insufficiency, hypertension, glomerular fibrosis, renal failure, uremia, ischemic necrosis of intestinal wall, hemafecia, intermittent claudication, and gangrene.
 50. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen is administered to the subject at a dosage of 1-100 mg/kg at a frequency of weekly to daily.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the dosage of the plasminogen is repeated at least once.
 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the dosage of the plasminogen is administered at least daily. 